End Of The Line

This wonderful family film somehow slipped through the theatrical cracks on its initial release. Fortunately, it stands to gain a new life on video. A blockbuster cast is headed up by Wilford Brimley (Cocoon) and Levon Helm (Coal Miner's Daughter), as Haney and Leo, two railroad workers in Clifford, Arkansas who aren't going to take the decision to close the railroad sitting down--at least not on their chairs at home. Instead they plop their butts on a "borrowed" locomotive and beat track for the Windy City where they intend to have a little man to man with the Chairman of the Board. Family members who have to deal with this slightly unusual behavior include--in all-around excellent performances--Mary Steenburgen as Leo's wife, Barbara Barrie as Haney's wife, Holly Hunter as Haney's daughter, and Kevin Bacon as Hunter's former and soon-to-be-again husband. Writer/director Jay Russell has infused the whole proceedings with a genuine warmth and humor that is rare in contemporary filmmaking. This film deserves a much wider audience. Highly recommended.